Protestors outside the school (X)
A distressing incident of student harassment has ignited protests led by Hindu organisations in front of Saima Mansoor Public School, situated in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. Outrage ensued after a student was allegedly mistreated for greeting his teacher, Mohammed Adnan, with ‘Ram Ram.’ The school’s principal is also accused of verbally abusing the student and his family.
The controversy unfolded on December 8, 2023, within the Chandpa police station area of Hathras district. A viral video captured at the school gate features Gajendra Singh Sisodia, who identified himself as the student’s brother, alleging that his sibling faced harassment for using the greeting ‘Ram Ram’ towards teacher Mohammed Adnan. The incident reportedly took place inside the Saima Mansoor Public School.
Gajendra Sisodia claims that after the student’s complaint to Principal Salman Kidwai, the principal chastised the student in front of the class, expressing disapproval of the use of ‘Ram Ram’ and insisting on alternative greetings like ‘Salaam’ or ‘Namaste.’
The student, who is enrolled in the 11th grade, and his family were allegedly mistreated and dismissed when they attempted to report the incident to school authorities.
The incident gained widespread attention on December 8, when the video surfaced on social media. In response, Hindu organisations mobilised, staging demonstrations at the school’s entrance on December 9, chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. The police intervened to control the situation.
Demanding accountability, Hindu activists are calling for action against both the accused teacher, Mohammed Adnan, and the school principal, Salman Kidwai. The district administration has initiated an investigation in light of the gravity of the allegations.
Salman Kidwai, addressing the media, announced the termination of Mohammed Adnan’s employment, citing objections to the use of ‘Ram Ram’ as the reason. Kidwai praised Saima Mansoor Public School as a secular institution.
The school administration issued a written apology, acknowledging the mistake, and committed to refrain from similar actions in the future. The Noorul Uloom Education Society, which oversees Saima Mansoor Public School, was established in January 1998 and claims to provide education to children, with President Naseem Ahmed, Vice President Sanaullah Khan, and Secretary Nafees Ahmed at the helm.
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